Several North Alabama school systems have announced school closings as the flu continues to spread.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this flu season has not yet reached its peak, although 48 states are reporting widespread flu.

"We have not hit our peak yet, unfortunately," CDC spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said. "Really, the bottom line is, there is still likely many more weeks to go."

The following school systems have announced closings due to the flu outbreak:

Albertville City Schools: Closed Feb. 8-9

Boaz City Schools: Closed Feb. 8-9

Cullman County Schools: Closed Feb. 8-9

Guntersville City Schools: Closed Feb. 8-9

Marshall County Schools: Closed Feb. 8-9 and Feb. 12-13

The schools have asked parents to keep sick children out of school until they are fever-free for 24 hours.

Besides getting the flu shot, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging people to follow these guidelines to avoid catching the flu virus:

Stay away from people who are sick.

If your child is sick with the flu illness, try to keep him or her in a separate room from others in the household, if possible.

CDC recommends that your sick child stay home for at least 24 hours after his or her fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine. People with the flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after it has been used.

Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Clean and disinfect hard surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs. The flu virus can live and potentially infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on a surface.

The listed school systems are part of the North Alabama district recognized by the Alabama Department of Public Health. The North Alabama district has reported the most flu-related deaths so far this flu season with 12 people reported to have died.